DENVER (CO)
KMGH 7 ABC
July 9, 2020
By Jennifer Kovaleski
Colorado churches got millions in federal money through PPP loans
As small businesses fought for much-needed loans from the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through the Small Business Administration (SBA), national retail chains cashing in on these funds sparked outrage and forced some businesses to return the money.
Now, we’re learning Colorado churches and faith-based organizations received millions of dollars in coveted PPP loans.
Denver7’s Rebound team followed the money and found at least 45 faith-based organizations received more than $150,000 in PPP loans, according to newly released government data.
The SBA released special guidance in April that said “faith-based organizations are eligible to receive SBA loans regardless of whether they provide secular social services.” But Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, questioned if churches should have been allowed to do so.
“So often we hear from our religious institutions that they don’t want the federal government messing with them and now we’re seeing that these same churches are going with their hat in hand to the federal government saying we want your help,” Singer said. “You know, there’s certainly an ounce of hypocrisy there.”
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